Can-labeling machine.



A. P. EKVALL & H. STAKE.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12. I916.

5 SHEETS-SHEET I.

Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

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CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT-12,1916- ]L ,%3,71L @D Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

A. P. EKVALL & H STAKE.

CAN LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12. I916.

1 @SW? 11, Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

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APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 12, 1916.

A. P. EKVALL & H. STAKE.

A. P. EKVALL & H. STAKE.

CAN LABELING MACHINE. 'APPLICATIOH FILED SEPT. 12, 1916.

LQSSJ? ll 00 Patented Aug. 28, 1917.

5 SHEETSSHEET 5.

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AJELVH) P. EKVALL AND HERMAN STAKE, 0F WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNORS TO ECONOMIC MACHINERY COMPANY, OF WORCESTER, MASSACHUSETTS, A COB- IE'ORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

CAN-LABELING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Aug. 28, 191"? Application filed September 12, 1916. Serial No. 119,780.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, Anvm P. EKVALL and HERMAN STAKE, both citizens of the United States, residing at Worcester, in the county of Worcester and State of Massa: chusetts, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can-Labeling Machines, of which the following is a specification.

Our present invention relates to certain improvements in labeling machines for affixing circumferential labels to cylindrical containers, tin cans or like articles, with more especial reference to that class of'machines in which the cans or articles are rolled along a suitable track or rim-way, and pass in contact with a primary gum-applying means, and then across the back of a pack of labels, one of which is gummed at its rear end, and transferred to the exterior of the can by the rolling action.

The prime object of our invention is to provide an organized machine of the class specified, embodying improvements designed for rendering the machine highly efiicient and convenient, and more desirable for operation, maintenance and practical utility.

Another object is to provide a can-labeling machine of the class specified, with an open side space along the entire length of the runway, thereby affording ready access to the cans at any part of their course.

Another object is to provide simple and eflicient means for the convenient and ready adjustment of the mechanism to accommodate different sizes of cans and for varying the distance relation between the primary gum-feeding devices and the label-delivering and end-gumming appliances; also means for adjusting the label-supply holder for labels of different dimension.

Another object is to provide a novel intermittently contacting gum-applying means for spreading the gum or adhesive substance upon the over-lap ends of the labels, as will be more fully explained.

These and minor objects we attain by mechanism the nature, novel construction of parts and organization of which are hereinafter fully described; the particular subject matter claimed as of our invention being definitely expressed in the summary.

An example of the preferred embodiment of our invention in a can-labeling machine,

its parts and combinations, is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, (five sheets) wherein Figure 1 represents an elevation of the front side of a machine according with our invention. Fig. 2 is a top plan View of the same. Fig. 3 is a plan view of the runway and parts below the overhanging upper frame. Fig. 3 is a sectional detail view of the driving shaft and adjacent parts. Fig. 4c is an elevation view showing the standing frame, table and means for supporting and adjusting the upper or belt-carrier frame; the run-way and label devices being omitted from this view for clearness of illustration. Fig. 4 is a fragmentary plan view of the parts connecting the end-gumming appliances with the label-box. Fig. 5 is a transverse vertical section at the line X X on Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a fragmentary transverse section of the table and run-way, looking toward the feed end. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal section of the label-supply box and endgumming appliances. Fig. 7 is a plan view of the parts shown in Fig. 6. Figs. 8 and 9 show, in plan and elevation, detail diagrams of the devices for actuating the end-guru ming means. Fig. 10 is. a detail plan view of the means for controlling the label supply elevator. Fig. 11 is a detached front elevation view of the elevator mechanism. Fig. 12 is a vertical sectional elevation of the same, looking from the discharge end of the machine, and Fig. 13 is a horizontal section at line a a on Fig. 11, showing the elevator ratchet.

In referring to the drawings, the numeral 12 represents a horizontal table or bed, which is best supported, centrally, upon a vertically disposed single plate or standing frame, preferably consisting of a simple rectangular open-centered casting 13 provided at its upper edge with ears for bolting or attaching it to the under side of the table 12, and having attached to its lower edge, at or nearway, of suliicient height for keeping the heads of the cans in alinement. The front side guards 16 are made adjustable by slots and bolts 17 for varying the lateral width of the run-way to suit cans of different sizes. At the feed end of the machine there is, as customary, an inclined chute 18, through which the cans are supplied, and likewise at the discharge end a downwardly inclined chute 19 for carrying away the labeled cans. Said chutes are best connected by hinges to the ends cf the run-way, so that the degree of their inclination can be varied as desired. The chutes can be supported in any well known or convenient manner.

' the upper frame 20 there are arranged transversely disposed rolls or idlers 28 at rest upon the lower stretch of the belt. The journal bearings for the idler rolls are preferably movably fitted in slot-ted housings 29 attached to and depending from the frame bars 20, and suitable springs are combined therewith to afi'ord yielding pressure of the idlers against the belt or belts.

The upper frame 20, with the pulleys 25 and 26 and belt appliances thereon, is supported entirely at the back of the machine,

and is arranged in an overhanging manner; said frame beingupheld by inclined parallel arms or bars 30 and 31, and a clamping means for the same; the lower ends of said arms being pivotally connected with the table or main frame, while their upper ends are connected with the pulley-carrying upper frame; preferably as best illustrated in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4. Rigidly fixed upon the back part of the table 12, at or near the ends thereof, we provide upright plates or brackets 32 and 34; in the present instance shown as of approximately triangular contour, and each having a slot 33 therein through which the axis-shafts 23 and 24 of the pulleys 25 and 26 respectively extend. The lower ends of the inclined arms are pivotally connected with the lower part of the respective brackets, one arm 31, by a transversely disposed stud S, and the other arm 30 by means of a bearing sleeve 72. upon the drive-shaft, while the upper ends of said arms are each provided with an eye that corresponds in location with the slot 33 in the bracket; said slot being curved concentric with the pivot axis. The shafts 23 and 24-respectively pass through the machine, thereby leaving an unobstructed open space 0 extending along the front side of the run-way the entire distance from the feed-end to the discharge end, thus afiording access to the passing cans; so that a can, if for any reason desired, may be conveniently removed from the run-way at any intermediate position.

Upon one of the supporting arms we provide means for conveniently efiecting up and down adjustment of the upper mecha-- nism. This, in the present instance, consists of a screw 37 threaded through a lug 38 fixed on the inclined arm, the point of the screw impinging against a stationary lug 39 fixed upon the bracket 34; the head of the screw bein formed as a hand-wheel or means for e ecting its rotation. By loosening the clamp nuts 35 and 36 on the ends of the shafts 23 and 24, and by turning the screw 37 the overhanging upper frame, carrying the pulleys and belts 27, may be raised or lowered parallel with the run-way by varying the inclination of the supporting arms 30 and 31, so as to accommodate cans of different diameters, as indicated by full lines and dotted lines on Fig. 4. The gumming, label-delivering and operating appliances are omitted on Fig. 4, since said view is more especially intended for clearly showing the form of the main and upper frames, and the arrangement of the inclined adjusting arms. The line B, on Figs. 4 and 9 of the drawings, indicates the relative position of the track surface or path upon which the cans roll.

The feed-delivery roll F, which is arranged near the end of the feed-chute 18 for separating the series of cans and cansing them to pass singly to the run-way, is mounted in a swinging carrier F pivotally connected with the upper frame 20, as in- An adjustable gage or scraper 42 regulates the quantity of gum delivered. The axis shaft of the disks 41 is provided with a gear 43 that mesheswith and receives motion from an operating gear hereinafter described.

The label-box 45 is composed of two adjusting sections having base plates, 1 and 2, that seat upon the table or bed 12, and are preferably fitted with a rib v engaging in a longitudinal slot or groove for keeping the sections in alinement. Each section also includes one of the upright transverse walls or barriers e 6 for guiding the ends of the pack of labels L. The two sections are independently adjustable, and are retained at place of adjustment upon the table by clamp-bolts b 6 or other suitable fastening means.

The first end barrier e is best provided at its top with small lips or points 3 that engage the top of the label-pack at the required level. box is best made in sections respectively fixed to the bases 1 and 2; while the front wall is made adjustable toward or from the back. The label-box is made to accommodate difierent sizes of labels, by adjusting the sections or walls nearer to or farther from each other. The top edge of the labelbox is approximately coincident with the surface of the run-way; its edges serving as a tract for the rolling cans while taking the labels. The sides of the box are inclined upward near their latter end.

A bar, rod or roll 4, arranged transversely across the label-box near its end, at the position indicated, serves as a level gage for limiting the upward movement of the pack; and also as a friction means and curler for the latter ends of the labels as they are drawn from beneath it. Said rod is best inserted through .holes in the upwardly inclined sides of the label-box, or may be otherwise secured in place.

The final gumming devices for placing adhesive upon the lap-ends of the labels, are arranged upon the same base 2 as the second section of the label-box, or connected therewith so that any longitudinal adjustment of the label-box will carry the gumming devices therewith. Said gumming devices are preferably constructed as best shown in Figs. 1, 6 and 7; and consist of a gum-containing box or reservoir 46, removably supported upon the base 2, and having a roll 47 located therein, the axle of which is mounted in releasable bearings '5 on the ends of the gum-box, and is provided with a gear 48 that engages with a gear 49 carried upon a longitudinal shaft 50 that is supported to turn in suitable hearing at the back of the frame.

The gum-box has a front member fixed thereto, provided with bifurcated lugs 51 The back wall of the label-' against the arm 61 to that engage with a bar 52 supported on the end of the label-box 45; and is also provided arranged under either end of the bar, so

that said bar can be adjusted to bring the gumming devices into accurate parallel relation with respect to the pack of labels.

Surrounding the roll 47 within the gumbox, and extending about a small transversely disposed upwardly and downwardly movable guide-bar or roll 5, located above the latter end of the label-box, we arrange an endless traveling gum-applying belt 55, preferably made of strong flexible canvas, or similar textile fabric, woven complete without transverse seams. The lower stretch of said gum-applying belt is carried over an idler or tightener roll 57 mounted in an ad justable' bracket or dual lever 58 that is pivotally fulcrumed at 59 in connection with the gum-box support, and provided with means, as the regulating screw 60, for effecting adjustment of said idler for giving the desired tension on said belt. An adjustable gage or scraper 56 is provided for regulating the amount of gum carried on the belt.

The guide 5, for the overhanging loop of the gum-applying belt 55, is mounted in a pair of upwardly and downwardly swinging arms 61, pivoted to supports at 62, and connected with each other by a cross-bar or uniting member 63. A push spring 6 is combined therewith which tends to lift the guide-roll 5 and loop of gum-applying belt 55 and maintain the same normally elevated, as indicated in Fig. 6, and a limiting stop 6", (see Fig. 7) preferably including a stationary member with an adj usting-screw threaded therein, is arranged for impinging prevent the spring from lifting the loop of the belt beyond a given limit. One of the arms 61 is provided at its swinging end with a member or roll 7 that is acted upon by a presser finger or device 64, the fore end of which is pivoted upon a stud 64 fixed to the back of the label-box, while its rear end rests upon the roll 7; said presser finger being also provided with a contact plate or surface 8 that protrudes above the normal roll-way level, and against which the can contacts as it rolls along its path.

The intermittent contact and rearward wiping effect of the continuously moving gum-applying belt 55, spreads an ample film of gum upon the end of the topmost label completely to the edge, and also tends to prevent any accumulation or drip of surplus gum down the end of the pack and the consequent sticking together of the labels therein.

In the present specification the terms gum and gumming are intended to include, as equivalents, the use of glue, paste, mucilage, and any other well known adhesive substance, such as employed in the art for attaching labels or paper stamps to various articles.

Above the gum-applying belt 55 and umbox 46 there is a stationary shield 65 orming a part of the bottom of the run-way, and supported in connection with the sectionor base 2 upon which the gum-box andlabelbox are carried. Said shield consists of a curved plate having a portion thereof disposed somewhat higher than the normal level of the runway; its edge somewhat in rear of the guide-roll 5, and meeting the upwardly inclined tracks at the latter end of the label-box. The shield serves to protect the cans from contact with the gumapplying belt, and its elevated portion serves to force the can against the overhead belts 27 to attain an increased pressure upon the label.

For automatically maintaining the top of the pack of labels L at proper level against the points 3 and lever bar 4, we provide a power actuated elevator mechanism controlled from the surface of the pack, and constructed to operate as follows: The movable bottom plate 10 within the label-box is secured to and supported by an upright rack-bar 67 working within a housing guide 68 attached to the base 1 of the first section of the label-box, and extending down through a slot in the table 12. Anti-friction rolls a a are preferably provided at the upper and lower ends of the housing, at opposite sides of the rack-bar, to prevent its cramping. Near the lower end of the housing 68, and supported in a bearing-hub 69 fixed thereto, is a short rotatable shaft 70, upon which is mounted a ratchet-wheel 71 and a pinion 72 that meshes with the rackbar 67; also a swinging lever 73 carrying a spring-pressed pawl 75 that works the ratchet-wheel; while the bearing-hub has a rigid arm 77 upon which the keeper pawl 74 is pivoted. The shaft 7 O is preferably provided with a hand-wheel 7 0 at its front end for convenience of quick action when filling the label-box.

At the back of the label-box, and supported upon a suitable bracket 76 fixed thereon, there is an arm 78 attached to a rocker or angle-lever 79, and having an upwardly curved end provided at its extremity with. a thin laterally ofiset lip or feeler 9 that projects over and normally rests upon the top of the pack of labels L. Said arm 78 is connected by a rod 80 with the swinging lever 7 3 which carries the ratchet actuating pawl 75. The rocker 79 is mounted on a horizontal axis-stud 81 fixed in the bracket 76, and has a projecting arm 82 carrying a studroll 83 that engages with a cam 84 mounted upon the back-shaft 50, and adapted for effecting action of the rocker at a given part of its revolution. The size and shape of the cam is such that when the lip or feeler-finger 9 is held up by the pack of labels to their full normal level, the roll 83 is at a position where it will not be actuated by the cam and no effect is produced; but as the pack of labels becomes lower, by removal of labels from the top thereof, the feeler-arm 78 has a gradual downward movement, causing the rod 80 to draw up the pawl 75 until such time as the roll and rocker get an impulse from the cam 84, the efi'ect of which is to force down the pawl 75, thereby actuating the ratchet-wheel and shaft 7 O, and causing the pinion 72 to elevate the rack-bar 67 and lift the pack of labels; thus maintainingI the top of the pack at the proper level. he driving-pulley 86, located at the back of the machine, is fixed upon a transverse shaft 87 that turns in bearings connected with the main frame; the outer bearing for said shaft being provided with a fixed inwardly projecting sleeve or bushing it upon which the lower end of the inclined arm 30 is pivotingly mounted. Said shaft has a sprocket-wheel 87 keyed thereon, from which a drive -'chain 93 connects with a sprocket-wheel 94 fixed upon the upper shaft 23 for operating the pulley 25 and belt, or belts, 27. There is also arranged upon the shaft 87 a loose-running sleeve 88 having fixed thereon a sprocket-wheel 88 and a gear 89; while upon the upper shaft 23 there is carried a sprocket-wheel 23 and a chain 95 that connects the same with the sprocket 88 for operating the sleeve 88 and gear 89. A second sprocket and chain 96 is also provided for operating the feed-delivering roll F. The gear 89, carried by the sleeve 88, meshes with a gear 43 fixed on the axle of the primary gum-roll 41; and also with a gear 90 having a suitable axial support, and united with a beveled gear 91 that meshes with a counter-matching beveled gear 92 fixed upon the longitudinal back-shaft 50 for operating said back shaft and the parts controlled thereby. The motive power is applied to the pulley or wheel 86, as de sired; preferably by belt 97 from an electric motor M located upon a suitable shelf or bracket 98 attached to the standing frame 13, or at other convenient position.

By pivoting the lower end of the inclined supporting arm 30 upon the shaft bearing sleeve, or axially coincident with the center 'of the drive-shaft and sprockets, it avoids label.

chains when the upper frame is adjusted up or down.

The distance from the primary gum-roll 41 to the label-box 45 is required to be a little less than the circumference of the can, so that spots of gum applied to the surface thereof by contact with the gum-roll disk 41 will, as the can rolls along the run-way, strike upon the leading end of the top label in the pick, and by adhesion pick up said ence for cans of different size this distance has to be changed. Such change is effected by loosening the fastening b and b adjusting the sections of the label-box to positions nearer to, or farther from, the primary gumming means, as required.

The gear 49 and cam 84 are arranged to.

slide along the back-shaft 50 when adjust ment of the label-box 45 toward or from the primary gumming device is effected; said shaft being provided with a suitable spline, and the gear and cam each having a releasable set-screw for retaining its adjustment. The first and second sections of the labelbox are independently adjustable, relatively to each other and toward or from the primary ing devices, the table 12; and we provide, as portions of the bottom of the run-way, removable interval plates 15 which are supported upon the flanges or lugs a formed on the adjacent parts, so that said plates 15 can be conveniently taken out and similar plates of difierent widths substituted, when a different dimension of label is to be employed.

The operation is as follows: The cans G are introduced in any convenient manner into the feed chute 18; and are released, one at a. time, in spaced successive order by the feed-delivery roll F, to pass onto the runway 15 beneath the lower stretch of the traveling belt or belts 27 which cause them to roll along the track at uniform speed. Contact with the primary gumming disks 41 places spots of gum upon the surface of the. can; which spots, as the can rolls over the pack of labels L, causes the leading end of the top label to be adhesively picked up and to follow the can surface, winding the label thereon, as indicated in Fig. 6. Then as the can advances it rolls onto the resser-finger 64, causing a downward movement of the guide-roll 5, thereby bringing the adjacent part of the traveling gumming-belt 55 into longitudinally of from the machine by way of the discharge chute. 7

We are aware that the idea of labeling cans or the like, by rolling'the cansover gumming devices and a label-supply means, bv aid of an overlying belt, is old and has been employed in various differently constructed machines; it will therefore be understood that we do not broadly claim that general feature; but our invention relates to the novel constructions, arrangement and organization of mechanism as expressly defined in the claims.

What we claim and Letters Patent, is

' L-A can labeling machine, including a can-guiding run-way, primary gum-applying devices, a label-box, and end-gumming mechanism and provided with a main supporting frame, comprising a carrying bed or table having a unitary central standard consisting of an edgewise upright plate casting standing in a vertical plane longitudidesire to secure by laterally spreading base members at its lower edge.

2. In a machine of the class described, the combination with a main bed or table having a run-way for guiding cans, and label-alhxing. mechanism mounted thereon; of a supporting standard therefor consisting of a rectangular open plate disposed in a vertical plane approximately central beneath said bed, its upper edge connected to the bed, and its lower edge provided with attached laterally projecting foot-members, substantially as set forth.

3. A can labeling machine, including a unitary under supporting stand disposed in an upright plane, a laterally projecting longitudinal table fixed upon the top of said supporting stand, primary gumming and lap-end gumming devices and label-supply holder mounted upon said table, a can-guiding run-way above s'aidtable in line with the top of said label-supply; and an overhanging upper frame' having traveling canactuating belts and belt-operating means thereon; said upper frame being carried by supports including a plurality of inclined adjusting strut-bars connecting said table and upper frame and located back of the run-way.

4. In a can labeling machine of the class described, a run-way for rolling cans or the like, gumming devices, and label-deliverlng means in the path of said run-way; an up- .per supporter, can-propelling belts, and

attached adjusting members at'the back of the machine, and means for retaining said adjusting members at positions of adjustment.

5. In a labeling machine of the class described, the combination of a bed or table, a run-way for rolling cans or the like, a gum-applying means and label-delivering means supported on the table approximately in line with said runway; an overlying propelling belt, an upper frame and pulleys for supporting said belt, a plurality of inclined pivotally connected members supporting said upper frame and belt devices; and adapted for varying the distance relation of the belt in respect to the run-way by varying the inclination of said supporting members, and means for securing said inclined members and upper frame at adjusted position.

6. A can labeling machine, including a run-way for cans, gumming appliances and label-supply means positioned in the course of said run-way, overlying can-propelling presser-belts, and belt-operating means; and an upper frame carrying said can-propelling presser-belts and belt-operating means; a pair of fixed obliquely-slotted brackets, a pair of pivotally attached inclined arms adjacent thereto at the back of the run-way, transverse shafts mounted in said upper frame and extending through the upper ends of said inclined arms and slotted brackets, and means upon said shafts for clamping the inclined arms and brackets firmly together for retaining said upper-frame at different positions of adjustment, in bodily overhanging relation to the run-way.

7. In a can-labeling machine, including a run-way for guiding cans, gumming means, and label-supply means adjacent to said runway, a main support provided with upstanding brackets having slots in their upper part, a shiftable upper frame carrying transverse shafts, pulleys supported on said -shafts, endless traveling belts above said run-way, means for operating said pullevs and belts,

a plurality of obliquely disposed adjusting arms pivotally connected with the. main frame or brackets, and having their upper ends embracing the pulley supporting shafts,

- said shafts disposed through the arms and brackets, and releasable means for rigidly clamping the parts for sustaining said upper frame, with the presser-belt at any predetermined distance above the run-way.

8. In a machine of the character specified, the combination asdescribed, of a main table or frame, a run-way for rolling cans supported thereon, gumming appliances, and a label-supply box; an upper frame comprising a pair of longitudinal side-bars united by attached cross members, non-ro tatable transverse shafts arranged through said side-bars, one end of each shaft projecting backward therefrom, pulleys mounted to rotate upon the respective shafts between the side-bars, and presser belts carried upon said pulleys, inclined adjusting arms supporting said upper frame, said arms having their lower ends pivotally connected with the main frame and their upper ends provided with openings that embrace said shaftsyrigid frame members adjacent said arms and receiving the ends of said shafts, and nuts threaded upon said shafts and adapted for clamping said arms to said rigid members.

9. In a can labeling machine, the combination with a run-way for rolling cans, a primary gum-applying roll and a label-box closed at the rear end; of a lap-end guinming means releasably connected with the rear end of said label-box and comprising a gum supply box, a supporter therefor, a

gum-roller partially submerged therein, a gum-carrying belt passing beneath said roll within the gum-box and extending in a loop over the latter end of the label-box, a guide for the loop of said belt, guide-supporting members pivoted upon the gum-box supporter and carrying the ends of said guide, an idler roll disposed beneath said belt overthe gum-box, a furcated idler-bearing lever fulcrumed on the gum-box supporter and provided with a regulating arm and adjust ing screw, means for imparting continuous rotary movement to the gum-roll and belt.

10. In a can labeling machine, in combination, a run-way for rolling cans, primary gum-applying devices, an endwise extendable label-supporting box closed at its rear end and having a removable side-plate to permit charging a pack of labels laterally thereinto, a lap-end gumming device posi tioned at the end of the label-box and including a gum-supply box, engaging members detachably connecting said gum-box with the label-box, mounted on the gum-box with its lower part submerged, a gum-carrying belt passing around the under side of said roller within the gum-box and extending in a horizontal loop adjacent to the latter end of the labels, a guide-roll for the loop to said belt, guide supporting arms pivoted upon the gum-boxsupporter and carrying the ends of 'said guide-roll, a bar uniting said arms, an idler roll beneath the belt above the gumbox over which said belt is carried, means for adjusting said idler, means for continuously rotating the gum-roll for moving the gum-carrying belt with a rearwardly wiping action at the under side of the loop, and a member actuated by the passing can for moving the guide-supporting arms.

11. In a can-labeling machine, in combination, a label-box having a level bar across its top near the end, and a front end wall provided with inward projections, a gumapplying mechanism including a gum-cona gum roller axially taining reservoir, means for supporting and removably connecting said reservoir with the base and end of the label-box, a roll revoluble in said reservoir, a longitudinally moving endless belt'arranged around said roll and forming a thin loop over the latter end of the label-box, a guide for said loop, the ends thereof journaled in upwardly and downwardly swinging arms fulcrumed on supports adjacent to the gum reservoir, a spring for elevating said guide, and a depressing finger pivoted at the side of the label-box and acting against one of said arms, said finger provided with a contact member protruding into the path of the advancing cans.

12. In a can-labeling machine of the class described, the combination, with a run-way for rolling cans or the like, a primary gumapplying means including a gum receptacle and distributing roll located at a permanent position, and an overhead traveling presser belt; of an endwise shiftable label-supply box, a supporting base therefor, a gum-reservoir mounted thereon, a rotatable roll within said gum reservoir, a longitudinally traveling endless gum-applying belt mounted thereon, a guide for the fore end loop of said belt, means for raising and depressing the fore end guide and belt, and actuating means therefor; said label-box being adjustable toward and from the primary gumming devices without disturbing the relative arrangement of the gumming devices mounted thereon in relation to the label supply.

13. In a can-labeling machine, in co1nbinationwith a can-guiding run\vay and a primary gum-applying means, a label-box adapted for holding a pack of labels and having a level limiting. bar across its top, and end-gumming appliances connected with the latter end of said label-box, the

connecting devices adapted to afford tor sional ad ustment of the gumming means in relation to the plane of the label-pack.

14. In a can-labeling machine, in combination with the label-box, an extended base therefor, a transverse bar pivotally attached to the end wall of the label-box, adjusting screws for regulating the horizontal relation of said bar, a gum-reservoir provided'with lugs that engage the respective ends of said transverse bar, and an under support upon the base, means for detachably locking the gum-reservoir to its support, a gum-delivering roll rotatably mounted within said reservoir, a gum-applying belt passing about said roll and forming a loop above the end of the label-box, a guide-roll for said loop mounted in bearings upon a supporter in connection with the gum reservoir, and a tightener beneath the under stretch wiltih the loop guide ro and gum delivering of said belt parallel ming means, and means for supporting said plates in position.

16. In acan-labeling machine, including a run-way for rolling cans, gum-applying devices, and a label-box adapted for supporting a pack of labels for delivery of the top label approximately at the level of said runway; the combination with said label-box, of a power actuated elevator mechanism for elevating the pack of labels therein, and means for controlling the power-actuation thereof, including a. rotatable cam, a rocker element movable for engagement or nonengagement with said cam, and provided with an arm having a thin laterally projecting lip or feeler that extends over and normally rests upon the top surface of the label-pack, substantially as set forth.

17 In a can-labeling machine, the combination, with a supporting table, a run-way for cans, and primary gumming devices including a gum supply and rotatable disks that protrude through slots at a predetermined position in the bottom of said runway; of a label-supply box composed of two separate end sections, their bases seated upon and each independently adjustable longitudinally of the table, toward and from said primary gumming devices, final-end gumming appliances carried upon the base of the second section of said label-box, a label-elevating device and elevator-controlling means carried upon the first section of provided with gearing for operating the end-gumming appliances, and a cam for actuating the label-elevating means.

18. In a can-labeling machine, in combination, a run-way for rolling cans or the like, a primary gumming means, an end-- gumming means, each including a reservoir and a gum-roll rotating therein, andhav ing a gear on its axle, a label-supply-box between said gumming means, a driving shaft with operating gearing for rotating the primary gum-roll, and a back-shaft having gears that operate said end-gumming means, an overhead frame, transverse shafts arranged thereon, pulleys mounted upon said shaft, and propeller belts carried by said pulleys, said overhead frame supported by parallel inclined arms having their upper ends pivoted on said transverse shafts, the lower end of one of said arms being pivoted concentric with the driving-shaft axis, said driving-shaft being provided with sprockets and chains for operating the pulleys and propeller-belt, means for regulating the inclination of said arms, and means for securing said arms and parts carried thereon at adjusted position.

19. In a can-labeling machine of the class described, the combination, with a label-box composed of separate end sections each independently adjustable longitudinally in respect to the path in which the cans travel; of a gum-box, a gum delivery roll rotatable ]Il said gum-box, a longitudinally running gum-applying belt operated by said roll and forming a' projecting label-Wiping loop, a shield plate over said be1t,-and means for intermittently pressing the loop of the belt upon the labels, all the said parts being carried upon the same base or support and in connection With the latter end section of the label-box, for unitary adjustment therewith without disturbing the correlation of said parts in respect to each other.

In testimony whereof We hereunto set our hands this 11th day of September, 1916.

ARVID P. EKVALL. HERMAN STAKE. 

